The ultimate unisex style guide for winter: skin, hair and body edition

by Yatan Ahluwalia

Winter is here, bringing its share of seasonal delights: deliciously chilly nights, long hot water showers, basking in the mild afternoon sun, and plenty of festive reasons to party. In the midst of all that fun, it’s easy to forget that cold weather requires more care, whether you’re a man or a woman.

Here are 10 tips for looking good while you ring in the holiday season.

One, apply a water-based moisturiser on a clean face, every night before you get into bed.

Why: The cold will dehydrate and dry your skin. The moisturiser will restore, repair and protect your skin from further onslaught. Women will wake up to younger and softer skin, while men will get a close, smooth and hassle-free shave in the morning.

Moisturisers are also the best known anti-aging products – and therefore recommended if you are at an age where you worry about wrinkles, crows feet and unwanted frown lines.

Two, use an effective and strong sunscreen when you are outdoors.

Why: Contrary to conventional wisdom, the sun is harsher in winter since the air is thinner. Harmful rays more easily penetrate the dermis than in summer. Apply sunscreen on exposed areas at least15 minutes before exposure to the sun. If you are in the mountains or anywhere near the sea, an SPF of 40 or higher is a must to give you adequate protection and coverage. In most other places, an SPF of 15 or 20 will do. Oil-free formulations are always preferable.

Three, use shower gels and face washes instead of soap.

Why: Soaps will dry your skin out further. Most commercial and processed soaps contain a detergent base, which can make your skin itchy and scaly. Gels and liquids are lighter, softer and contain moisture – something your skin will need more of in winter.

Try some of the new fruit-based formulations on the market. Alternatively, if aromatherapy is your thing, pick different fragrances and blends for the morning and evening. Fruits contain vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants and aromatherapy will work wonders either to wake you up in the morning or induce sleep at night — both essential to look and feel your best.

Four, apply a face masque.

Why: For deep pore cleaning. It’s a must through the year, but more so in winter as more dust and pollution tends to accumulate in the air when it’s cold. Use a natural or organic product – ideally with a clay base so it can penetrate into the skin and clean clogged pores, remove hidden dirt, as well as tighten the skin.

Apply the masque once a week on a clean face. My personal favourites: the tea-tree face masque by Lotus herbals or the Neem Tulsi pack by Khadi.

Five, oil your hair just once a week.

Why: Massage your scalp with the oil of your choice (herbal or natural preferred) once a week. The oil will penetrate into your scalp, nourish your roots and strengthen the hair so it won’t become brittle when it’s exposed to cold and dry air. Leave the oil on either overnight or for a couple of hours then shampoo it out.

Do not, however, oil your hair daily. If anything, the excess oil from your head will end up on your face, making it look and feel oily and resulting in minor or major skin issues.

Six, use a conditioner each time you shampoo your hair.

Why: Hot or warm water combined with the use of shampoo will deplete the moisture in your hair. A conditioner restores the moisture levels and keeps it feeling softer and lighter. As they are formulated to work better together, always use the shampoo and conditioner from the same brand. But two-in-one products that promise to act both as shampoos and conditioners are best avoided.

Seven, use all the styling products you can lay your hands on.

Why: In warm weather, hair products often sweat and leave you feeling hot and bothered. Take advantage of the winter season to play out your styling fantasies. You can choose from a wide range of products (spray, gel, wax, cream) from any reputed brand. Remember each product is designed for a certain length, texture and look. Consult your stylist if you need to.

My pick for the season has to be Tecni Art Glue (force 6) for men, to create long-lasting short, sporty, spiky and trendy looks and HairMix Spiral Splendor for women to enhance waves and curls for soft romantic hairstyles. Both are by L’Oreal professional.

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Eight, colour, but only if you must.

Why: Natural greying is a strong fashion trend this winter. Men with grey hair always look more dignified and are taken more seriously. Women who grey (and show it) are seen as more confident and secure. But if those greys bother you, then be sure to conceal them with a natural looking tint. Black can look unnatural and obvious. Dark brown is usually a better match for the natural tone of most Indian hair. Highlights are no longer in style, and going red or gold will suit just some of you. 9If you do use colour, be sure to use shampoos and conditioners specially formulated to make the colour last longer.

Nine, be sure to stay fit.

Why: The cold will make you hungrier that usual, which makes it all the more important to watch what you eat. Winters can also make you crave food that is oily, excessively spicy or has a high carbohydrate content. Most people tend to gain ’those extra inches’ in winter but only realise it when they try and get back into last years summer wardrobe.

Winter, in fact, is an excellent time to start a new exercise or work-out routine. It may seem a lot tougher in winter (especially if you schedule it for an early morning) but you can actually work out longer and with greater ease without the sweat and the heat.

Ten, overdose on water.

Why: The cold dehydrates the skin and the body. Drinking about four litres of water in a day is a must – even though you may not feel as thirsty.

Try drinking warm water through the day – this will warm up your body and help drain the toxins and excessive fat out of your system. Adding a teaspoon of honey and a dash of fresh lemon juice to the first glass in the morning will help you recover from a hangover, reduce overall puffiness, lighten dark circles around the eyes, as well as cleanse your internal systems.

Coming soon: The ultimate guide to the winter wardrobe.

The author is a fashion and image consultant and Director,  Y&E Style Media Pvt. Ltd  – India’s leading styling & corporate grooming company.